‘I’m backing a modern and improved library’ (From Gazette & Herald)

‘I’m backing a modern and improved library’

10:00am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Letters

HILARY Jenkins wrongly and outrageously claimed in last week’s letters that as mayor of Norton, I favour the closure our town’s library.

I have never said that I want this vital service to close its doors and the suggestion is at best mistaken and at worst wholly inaccurate.

As she is aware, the decision has been made by North Yorkshire County Council and, despite local opposition, it appears that it has made its mind up.

What I have said and what I will continue to lobby for is a more modern and better library for our community, which would be provided should the library be moved to Harrison House.

In comparison to our dated 60s building, the new site is light and airy and would provide a muchneeded update, with all the systems that a modern library and information centre need to cater for the 21st century.

To suggest that NYCC could extend the existing premises is ludicrous in the current economic climate.

The proposed new premises have an equal-sized, if not larger, car park, are directly opposite the bus station and are well located for anyone walking between the two towns.

With regard to moving other voluntary service providers into Harrison House, many have outgrown the space currently available at Community House and would welcome the move to larger, better premises. Combining these services with the library is an ideal approach, creating an information hub for both towns.

One point on which I can agree with Mrs Jenkins is that relocating the tourist information centre to the site next to the railway station would be a mistake. Very few tourists arrive by rail so a location in the Market Place would be better.

I urge Ryedale District Council to house it in a suitable empty shop.

With regard to the future of shops in Norton, the town council is doing everything in its limited powers to promote our town centre.

We hope that the fact the ATS premises are soon to become vacant will open up new possibilities for Norton.

The site, linked to neighbouring land, offers the opportunity to provide easy parking and the possibility of access to the rear of retail premises in Commercial Street.

The town council has already contacted Ryedale District Council about its potential.

We are also talking to the district council about how it might promote the town to help fill empty shop premises.

With regard to the car wash on Church Street, I would have thought Mrs Jenkins would welcome the arrival of a new business in Norton as this is what she appears to be arguing for.

Competition is good for business and customers, it’s not a reason to refuse a planning application.

And for the record Mrs Jenkins, I continue to be committed to merging Malton and Norton’s town councils. Rather than being steeped in negativity, I believe this would benefit both of our towns.

The outside worlds sees Malton and Norton as one – accepting that reality would benefit the whole community.

COUN DI KEAL, Norton